“Strangest problems of life seem clearing; but clouds sweep between--Is my journey’s end coming?” — Herman Melville Copy Share Image
The world's a ship on its voyage out, and not a voyage complete; and the pulpit is its prow. — Herman Melville Copy Share Image
Bachelors alone can travel freely, and without any twinges of their consciences touching desertion of the fire-side. — Herman Melville Copy Share Image
Traveling takes the ink out of one's pen as well as the cash out of one's purse. — Herman Melville Copy Share Image
Were this world an endless pain, and by sailing eastward we could forever reach new distances, and discover sights more sweet and… — Herman Melville Copy Share Image
“It is the harpooneer that makes the voyage, and if you take the breath out of his body how can you expect… — Herman Melville Copy Share Image
In this world, shipmates, sin that pays its way can travel freely, and without passport; whereas Virtue, if a pauper, is stopped… — Herman Melville Copy Share Image
...that one most perilous and long voyage ended, only begins a second; and a second ended, only begins a third, and so… — Herman Melville Copy Share Image
For the profit of travel: in the first place, you get rid of a few prejudices.... The prejudiced against color finds several… — Herman Melville Copy Share Image
The pleasure of leaving home, care-free, with no concern but to enjoy, has also as a pendant the pleasure of coming back… — Herman Melville Copy Share Image
“By reason of these things, then, the whaling voyage was welcome; the great flood-gates of the wonder-world swung open, and in the… — Herman Melville Copy Share Image
“Though I cannot tell why it was exactly that those stage managers, the Fates, put me down for this shabby part of… — Herman Melville Copy Share Image
“Round the world! There is much in that sound to inspire proud feelings; but whereto does all that circumnavigation conduct? Only through… — Herman Melville Copy Share Image
“Huge hills and mountains of casks on casks were piled upon her wharves, and side by side the world-wandering whale ships lay… — Herman Melville Copy Share Image
“Were this world an endless plain, and by sailing eastward we could for ever reach new distances, and discover sights more sweet… — Herman Melville Copy Share Image
“As most young candidates for the pains and penalties of whaling stop at this same New Bedford, thence to embark on their… — Herman Melville Copy Share Image
If I had been downright honest with myself, I would have seen very plainly in my heart that I did but half… — Herman Melville Copy Share Image
“and man, though idiotic, and knowing not what he does, yet full of the sweet things of love and gratitude.” — Herman Melville Copy Share Image
“But were the coming narrative to reveal in any instance, the complete abasement of poor Starbuck's fortitude, scarce might I have the heart to… — Herman Melville Copy Share Image
“(On Ralph Waldo Emerson)I love all men who dive. Any fish can swim near the surface, but it takes a great whale to go… — Herman Melville Copy Share Image
“So seemed it to me, as I stood at her helm, and for long hours silently guided the way of this fire-ship on the… — Herman Melville Copy Share Image
“Consider the subtleness of the sea; how its most dreaded creatures glide under water, unapparent for the most part, and treacherously hidden beneath the… — Herman Melville Copy Share Image
“Is it that by its indefiniteness it shadows forth the heartless voids and immensities of the universe, and thus stabs us from behind with… — Herman Melville Copy Share Image
“Now, as I before hinted, I have no objection to any person's religion, be it what it may, so long as that person does… — Herman Melville Copy Share Image
Let America first praise mediocrity even, in her children, before she praises... the best excellence in the children of any other land. — Herman Melville Copy Share Image
“Yet this is life. For hardly have we mortals by long toilings extracted from this world's vast bulk its small but valuable sperm; and… — Herman Melville Copy Share Image
